Americana band JD and the Straight Shot are a band with a unique beginning, befitting their unique style. And one way to get that product in front of listeners is to hook up with a huge name in American rock. Doesn’t hurt that you are buddies with Don Henley.
They came on stage with an understated casualness last Thursday night, as Rogers Arena was slowly filling with early birds. The stage was clearly set up for The Eagles, but James Dolan and crew took up an intimate, albeit disparate positioning. Singer Dolan with violinist Erin Slaver and bassist Byron House on one side, with guitarist Marc Copely, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and drummer Shawn Pelton on the other.
The musical pedigree showed, with the arrangements delivered tight and upbeat. The songs were reminiscent of the Beach Boys with a bluesy/bluegrass vibe. Copley and Carolyn Dawn Johnson traded grins and licks while the violin was a counterpoint to Dolan’s gravelly voice. And much like the act to follow them, vocal harmonies rounded out their sound.
The crowd warmed up to them as Dolan provided insight to some of the tunes and where they came from. The two big highlights were “Run for Me’, a Celtic infused ditty that belongs in a St. Patrick’s Day playlist and their Christmas themed track, “The Ballad of Jacob Marley”.
Much like their name, the band left fans with a warm feeling, eager for the well-known act to follow.
written by Scotty Evil
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